Ask any experienced early years educator and they will tell you the same thing. The children who thrive in school, who develop strong social skills, who communicate well and solve problems creatively, are rarely the ones who spent their early years sitting at a table doing worksheets. They are the ones who explored, questioned, investigated and discovered.
Science activities early years Ireland are at the heart of this kind of learning. Yet in many Irish creches and preschools, science still feels like an extra. This article explains exactly why science belongs at the centre of your curriculum and where to find the best science resources for your Irish setting.
The Link Between Science and Child Development
When we talk about science in early years settings, we are not talking about beakers and Bunsen burners. We are talking about natural, instinctive investigation that children engage in from birth. A baby who drops a spoon off a high chair is conducting a physics experiment. A toddler squishing mud is exploring material properties. A preschooler planting a seed is learning biology.
Here is what the research tells us about science and child development:
- Cognitive development: Science exercises working memory, attention and cause-and-effect reasoning simultaneously
- Language development: Children who investigate regularly develop vocabularies up to 40% richer than those who do not
- Social development: Group science activities teach listening, turn-taking and teamwork
- Emotional development: Completing a science challenge builds confidence, persistence and resilience
- Fine motor skills: Pouring, sorting, using magnifiers and tweezers all develop hand-eye coordination
| Research shows: Children exposed to regular science from age 2 demonstrate stronger problem-solving ability by age 7. Aistear Fact: Exploring and Thinking is one of four core themes in Ireland's national early childhood curriculum framework. Tusla Insight: Inspectors assess the quality and breadth of planned learning activities during every inspection. |
Science and the Aistear Framework in Ireland
For Irish childcare providers, Aistear is the guiding curriculum framework for children from birth to six years. Science activities connect directly to three of the four Aistear themes:
- Exploring and Thinking: Children investigate objects, materials and events in their world
- Communicating: Children describe observations, share discoveries and develop scientific vocabulary
- Being Creative: Children design experiments, construct theories and express discoveries through art and play
- Identity and Belonging: Children develop confidence as capable and competent thinkers and investigators
The Best Science Resources for Irish Early Years Settings
Early Years Shop, based at Old Lucan Road, Dublin and operated by Canavan Byrne, is a specialist supplier built exclusively for the Irish early years sector. Their science and educational product range includes:
- Tiny Tots Super Science Box at EUR 40.00 for structured, ready-to-use science sessions
- Insect Lore Butterfly Garden for Children at EUR 27.50 for live life cycle learning
- Insect Lore Giant Butterfly Garden at EUR 37.50 for larger groups
- Insect Lore Life Cycle Microscope at EUR 12.95 for close-up nature investigation
- Thrive seasonal outdoor activity books by Gillian Powell M.Ed. from EUR 15.00 each
- Nationwide delivery across Ireland, Monday to Friday, via An Post parcel service
| Explore the full science resource range at earlyyearsshop.ie. Call 01 623 5908 or email eys@canavanbyrne.ie. |
Practical Ways to Bring Science Into Your Daily Programme
You do not need to overhaul your entire programme to make science meaningful. Here are five practical ways to integrate science naturally and effectively into your setting:
- Set up a discovery table with rotating natural objects, magnifying glasses and sorting trays
- Use outdoor time intentionally: Ireland's landscape is one of the richest science classrooms in the world
- Ask open questions daily: 'I wonder what would happen if...' is one of the most powerful teaching tools available
- Follow emerging interests: Use the Early Years Shop Emerging Interest Library to deepen child-led investigations
- Document the science: Photographs, observations and display panels are excellent evidence for families and Tusla inspectors
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are science activities important in early years settings?
Science activities support cognitive, language, social and emotional development. They align directly with the Aistear Exploring and Thinking theme and help build foundational skills children need throughout their education.
What science resources are available for Irish creches?
Early Years Shop at earlyyearsshop.ie offers the Tiny Tots Super Science Box at EUR 40.00, the Insect Lore butterfly garden range, Thrive seasonal outdoor books, and much more. All products suit Irish early years settings.
How do science activities support Aistear?
Science directly supports the Aistear Exploring and Thinking theme and also connects to Communicating and Being Creative, encouraging children to investigate, question and express their discoveries.
Can I order science resources from Early Years Shop online?
Yes. Browse and order at earlyyearsshop.ie. Nationwide delivery is available across Ireland, Monday to Friday. Contact the team at 01 623 5908 or eys@canavanbyrne.ie.
Can science activities help with Tusla inspections?
Yes. A well-resourced, regularly implemented science programme that aligns with Aistear is a genuine quality indicator during Tusla inspections. It demonstrates that your setting is committed to structured, purposeful learning.
Final Thoughts
Science activities are not a luxury. They are not an extra. They are a fundamental part of a high-quality early years programme, and the evidence for their impact on child development is both broad and compelling.
Early Years Shop makes quality science resources more accessible than ever for Irish creche owners, preschool managers, and room leaders across the country. Visit earlyyearsshop.ie today, or call the team at 01 623 5908, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
| Browse the full science and educational product range at earlyyearsshop.ie. Call 01 623 5908 or email eys@canavanbyrne.ie for expert advice. |
Explore More From Early Years Shop
Browse these pages on earlyyearsshop.ie for more resources:
- Tiny Tots Super Science Box: earlyyearsshop.ie/product/tiny-tots-super-science-boxes/
- Insect Lore Science Range: earlyyearsshop.ie/product-category/eys-shop/educational-products/
- Emerging Interest Library: earlyyearsshop.ie/product-category/eys-shop/emerging-interest-library/
- EYRF Membership: earlyyearsshop.ie/membership-options-page/
